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Nho RS, Rice C, Prasad J, Bone H, Farkas L, Rojas M, Horowitz JC. Persistent hypoxia promotes myofibroblast differentiation via GPR-81 and differential regulation of LDH isoenzymes in normal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibroblasts. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15759. [PMID: 37653539 PMCID: PMC10471601 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia, a state of insufficient oxygen availability, promotes cellular lactate production. Lactate levels are increased in lungs from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease characterized by excessive scar formation, and lactate is implicated in the pathobiology of lung fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of hypoxia and lactate on fibroblast phenotype are poorly understood. We exposed normal and IPF lung fibroblasts to persistent hypoxia and found that increased lactate generation by IPF fibroblasts was driven by the FoxM1-dependent increase of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) coupled with decreased LDHB that was not observed in normal lung fibroblasts. Importantly, hypoxia reduced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in normal fibroblasts but had no significant impact on this marker of differentiation in IPF fibroblasts. Treatment of control and IPF fibroblasts with TGF-β under hypoxic conditions did not significantly change LDHA or LDHB expression. Surprisingly, lactate directly induced the differentiation of normal, but not IPF fibroblasts under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, while expression of GPR-81, a G-protein-coupled receptor that binds extracellular lactate, was increased by hypoxia in both normal and IPF fibroblasts, its inhibition or silencing only suppressed lactate-mediated differentiation in normal fibroblasts. These studies show that hypoxia differentially affects normal and fibrotic fibroblasts, promoting increased lactate generation by IPF fibroblasts through regulation of the LDHA/LDHB ratio and promoting normal lung fibroblast responsiveness to lactate through GPR-81. This supports a novel paradigm in which lactate may serve as a paracrine intercellular signal in oxygen-deficient microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S. Nho
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Cami Rice
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Jayendra Prasad
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Hannah Bone
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Laszlo Farkas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Jeffrey C. Horowitz
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
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Reeb T, Rhea L, Adelizzi E, Garnica B, Dunnwald E, Dunnwald M. ARHGAP29 is required for keratinocyte proliferation and migration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.30.525978. [PMID: 36778214 PMCID: PMC9915469 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.525978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RhoA GTPase plays critical roles in actin cytoskeletal remodeling required for controlling a diverse range of cellular functions including cell proliferation, cell adhesions, migration and changes in cell shape. RhoA cycles between an active GTP-bound and an inactive GDP-bound form, a process that is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). ARHGAP29 is a GAP expressed in keratinocytes of the skin and is decreased in the absence of Interferon Regulator Factor 6, a critical regulator of cell proliferation and migration. However, the role for ARHGAP29 in keratinocyte biology is unknown. RESULTS Novel ARHGAP29 knockdown keratinocyte cell lines were generated using both CRISPR/Cas9 and shRNA technologies. Knockdown cells exhibited significant reduction of ARHGAP29 protein (50-80%) and displayed increased filamentous actin (stress fibers), phospho-myosin light chain (contractility), cell area and population doubling time. Furthermore, we found that ARHGAP29 knockdown keratinocytes displayed significant delays in scratch wound closure in both single cell and collective cell migration conditions. Particularly, our results show a reduction in path lengths, speed, directionality and persistence in keratinocytes with reduced ARHGAP29. The delay in scratch closure was rescued by both adding back ARHGAP29 or adding a ROCK inhibitor to ARHGAP29 knockdown cells. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that ARHGAP29 is required for keratinocyte morphology, proliferation and migration mediated through the RhoA pathway.
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Schuster R, Younesi F, Ezzo M, Hinz B. The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041231. [PMID: 36123034 PMCID: PMC9808581 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Schuster
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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4
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Haller H, Mitzinger D, Cramer H. The integration of yoga breathing techniques in cognitive behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1101046. [PMID: 37139325 PMCID: PMC10150115 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), stabilization techniques are used before confrontation ones to increase stress/affect tolerance and thus effectiveness of CBT. This study investigated the effects of pranayama, meditative yoga breathing and breath holding techniques, as a complimentary stabilization technique in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods Seventy-four PTSD-patients (84% female, 44.2 ± 13 years) were randomized to receive either pranayama at the beginning of each TF-CBT session or TF-CBT alone. The primary outcome was self-reported PTSD severity after 10 sessions of TF-CBT. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, social participation, anxiety, depression, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, body awareness, breath-holding duration, acute emotional reaction to stress, and adverse events (AEs). Intention-to-treat (ITT) and exploratory per-protocol (PP) analyses of covariance with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed. Results ITT analyses revealed no significant differences on primary or secondary outcomes, except for breath-holding duration in favor of pranayama-assisted TF-CBT (20.81 s, 95%CI = 13.05|28.60). PP analyses of 31 patients without AEs during pranayama revealed significantly lower PTSD severity (-5.41, 95%CI = -10.17|-0.64) and higher mental quality of life (4.89, 95%CI = 1.38|8.41) than controls. In contrast, patients with AEs during pranayama breath holding reported significantly higher PTSD severity (12.39, 95%CI = 5.08|19.71) than controls. Concurrent somatoform disorders were found to be a significant moderator of change in PTSD severity (p = 0.029). Conclusion In PTSD patients without concurrent somatoform disorders, the integration of pranayama into TF-CBT might reduce post-traumatic symptoms and increase mental quality of life more efficiently than TF-CBT alone. The results remain preliminary until they can be replicated by ITT analyses. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03748121.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidemarie Haller
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Planetary Health, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Heidemarie Haller,
| | - Dietmar Mitzinger
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Planetary Health, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Holger Cramer
- Insititute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany
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An R. MRTF may be the missing link in a multiscale mechanobiology approach toward macrophage dysfunction in space. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:997365. [PMID: 36172272 PMCID: PMC9510870 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.997365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages exhibit impaired phagocytosis, adhesion, migration, and cytokine production in space, hindering their ability to elicit immune responses. Considering that the combined effect of spaceflight microgravity and radiation is multiscale and multifactorial in nature, it is expected that contradictory findings are common in the field. This theory paper reanalyzes research on the macrophage spaceflight response across multiple timescales from seconds to weeks, and spatial scales from the molecular, intracellular, extracellular, to the physiological. Key findings include time-dependence of both pro-inflammatory activation and integrin expression. Here, we introduce the time-dependent, intracellular localization of MRTF-A as a hypothetical confounder of macrophage activation. We discuss the mechanosensitive MRTF-A/SRF pathway dependence on the actin cytoskeleton/nucleoskeleton, microtubules, membrane mechanoreceptors, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and intracellular/extracellular crosstalk. By adopting a multiscale perspective, this paper provides the first mechanistic answer for a three-decade-old question regarding impaired cytokine secretion in microgravity—and strengthens the connection between the recent advances in mechanobiology, microgravity, and the spaceflight immune response. Finally, we hypothesize MRTF involvement and complications in treating spaceflight-induced cardiovascular, skeletal, and immune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky An
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Rocky An,
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Wang X, Xu X, Zhu Q, Han Y, Zhang W. Hypoxia-induced miR-182-5p regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch by targeting RGS5. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1864-1875. [PMID: 35946384 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In response to vascular injury or alterations in the local environment, such as hypoxia and hypertension, contractile vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are able to switch to a synthetic phenotype characterized by increased extracellular matrix synthesis with decreased expression of contractile markers. miR-182-5p has recently been reported to play a regulatory role in VSMCs proliferation. However, little is known about its target genes and related pathways in VSMCs phenotypic switch. Here, we investigated the function of miR-182-5p in VSMCs phenotypic switch. The results showed that upregulation of miR-182-5p promoted the switching of VSMCs from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, hypoxia elevated miR-182-5p, leading to a reduction in expression of contractile markers and weakened RhoA signaling. Using bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays and rescue assays, we demonstrated that miR-182-5p suppressed RhoA signaling by targeting RGS5. Collectively, the results from the present study indicated that miR-182-5p/RGS5/RhoA axis regulated hypoxia-induced VSMCs phenotypic switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhou Wang
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Key Laboratory for High Altitude Medicine, Ministry of Education, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Application and Foundation for High Altitude Medicine in Qinghai Province, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Department of Hypertension, Qinghai Cardio-Cerebrovascular Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Department of Hypertension, Qinghai Cardio-Cerebrovascular Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Qinfang Zhu
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Key Laboratory for High Altitude Medicine, Ministry of Education, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Application and Foundation for High Altitude Medicine in Qinghai Province, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Ying Han
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Key Laboratory for High Altitude Medicine, Ministry of Education, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Application and Foundation for High Altitude Medicine in Qinghai Province, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Key Laboratory for High Altitude Medicine, Ministry of Education, Xining, Qinghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Application and Foundation for High Altitude Medicine in Qinghai Province, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
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7
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Promotion of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction using a novel cardiac patch incorporated with hypoxia-pretreated urine-derived stem cells. Bioact Mater 2022; 14:206-218. [PMID: 35310356 PMCID: PMC8897693 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 25% of patients with congenital heart disease require implantation of patches to repair. However, most of the currently available patches are made of inert materials with unmatched electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, which may lead to an increased risk for arrhythmia and heart failure. In this study, we have developed a novel Polyurethane/Small intestinal submucosa patch (PSP) with mechanical and electrical properties similar to those of the native myocardial tissue, and assessed its feasibility for the reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract. A right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction model was constructed in 40 rabbits. Compared with commercially available bovine pericardium patch, the PSP patch has shown better histocompatibility and biodegradability, in addition with significantly improved cardiac function. To tackle the significant fibrosis and relatively poor vascularization during tissue remodeling, we have further developed a bioactive patch by incorporating the PSP composites with urine-derived stem cells (USCs) which were pretreated with hypoxia. The results showed that the hypoxia-pretreated bioactive patch could significantly inhibit fibrosis and promote vascularization and muscularization, resulting in better right heart function. Our findings suggested that the PSP patch combined with hypoxia-pretreated USCs may provide a better strategy for the treatment of congenital heart disease. A novel cardiac patch (PSP) with mechanical and electrical properties similar to native myocardium. PSP patch improved cardiac function in right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction model. Hypoxia pretreated USCs combined PSP patch promoted vascularization and inhibited fibrosis.
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Zou F, Li Y, Zhang S, Zhang J. DP1 (Prostaglandin D 2 Receptor 1) Activation Protects Against Vascular Remodeling and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Transition to Myofibroblasts in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in Mice. Hypertension 2022; 79:1203-1215. [PMID: 35354317 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.17584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype transition plays an essential role in vascular remodeling. PGD2 (Prostaglandin D2) is involved in cardiovascular inflammation. In this study, we aimed to investigates the role of DP1 (PGD2 receptor 1) on VSMC phenotype transition in vascular remodeling after Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion in mice. METHODS VSMC-specific DP1 knockout mice and DP1flox/flox mice were infused with Ang II for 28 days and systolic blood pressure was measured by noninvasive tail-cuff system. The arterial samples were applied to an unbiased proteome analysis. DP1f/f Myh11 (myosin heavy chain 11) CREERT2 R26mTmG/+ mice were generated for VSMC lineage tracing. Multiple genetic and pharmacological approaches were used to investigate DP1-mediated signaling in phenotypic transition of VSMCs in response to Ang II administration. RESULTS DP1 knockout promoted vascular media thickness and increased systolic blood pressure after Ang II infusion by impairing Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP)-1-mediated Rap-1 (Ras-related protein 1) activation. The DP1 agonist facilitated the interaction of myocardin-related transcription factor A and G-actin, which subsequently inhibited the VSMC transition to myofibroblasts through the suppression of RhoA (Ras homolog family member A)/ROCK-1 (Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1) activity. Moreover, Epac-1 overexpression by lentivirus blocked the progression of vascular fibrosis in DP1 deficient mice in response to Ang II infusion. CONCLUSIONS Our finding revealed a protective role of DP1 in VSMC switch to myofibroblasts by impairing the phosphorylation of MRTF (myocardin-related transcription factor)-A by ROCK-1 through Epac-1/Rap-1/RhoA pathway and thus inhibited the expression of collagen I, fibronectin, ED-A (extra domain A) fibronectin, and vinculin. Thus, DP1 activation has therapeutic potential for vascular fibrosis in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangdi Zou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (F.Z., Y.L., S.Z., J.Z.), Tianjin Medical University, China.,School of Pharmacy (F.Z.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (F.Z., Y.L., S.Z., J.Z.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Shijie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (F.Z., Y.L., S.Z., J.Z.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (F.Z., Y.L., S.Z., J.Z.), Tianjin Medical University, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China (J.Z.)
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Trivlidis J, Aloufi N, Al-Habeeb F, Nair P, Azuelos I, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. HuR drives lung fibroblast differentiation but not metabolic reprogramming in response to TGF-β and hypoxia. Respir Res 2021; 22:323. [PMID: 34963461 PMCID: PMC8715577 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary fibrosis is thought to be driven by recurrent alveolar epithelial injury which leads to the differentiation of fibroblasts into α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-expressing myofibroblasts and subsequent deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) plays a key role in fibroblast differentiation, which we have recently shown involves human antigen R (HuR). HuR is an RNA binding protein that also increases the translation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) mRNA, a transcription factor critical for inducing a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation towards glycolysis. This metabolic shift may cause fibroblast differentiation. We hypothesized that under hypoxic conditions, HuR controls myofibroblast differentiation and glycolytic reprogramming in human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). Methods Primary HLFs were cultured in the presence (or absence) of TGF-β1 (5 ng/ml) under hypoxic (1% O2) or normoxic (21% O2) conditions. Evaluation included mRNA and protein expression of glycolytic and myofibroblast/ECM markers by qRT-PCR and western blot. Metabolic profiling was done by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- NMR). Separate experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of HuR on metabolic reprogramming using siRNA-mediated knock-down. Results Hypoxia alone had no significant effect on fibroblast differentiation or metabolic reprogramming. While hypoxia- together with TGFβ1- increased mRNA levels of differentiation and glycolysis genes, such as ACTA2, LDHA, and HK2, protein levels of α-SMA and collagen 1 were significantly reduced. Hypoxia induced cytoplasmic translocation of HuR. Knockdown of HuR reduced features of fibroblast differentiation in response to TGF-β1 with and without hypoxia, including α-SMA and the ECM marker collagen I, but had no effect on lactate secretion. Conclusions Hypoxia reduced myofibroblasts differentiation and lactate secretion in conjunction with TGF-β. HuR is an important protein in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation but does not control glycolysis in HLFs in response to hypoxia. More research is needed to understand the functional implications of HuR in IPF pathogenesis.
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10
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Hypoxia induces stress fiber formation in adipocytes in the early stage of obesity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21473. [PMID: 34728615 PMCID: PMC8563745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00335-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In obese adipose tissue (AT), hypertrophic expansion of adipocytes is not matched by new vessel formation, leading to AT hypoxia. As a result, hypoxia inducible factor-1⍺ (HIF-1⍺) accumulates in adipocytes inducing a transcriptional program that upregulates profibrotic genes and biosynthetic enzymes such as lysyl oxidase (LOX) synthesis. This excess synthesis and crosslinking of extracellular matrix (ECM) components cause AT fibrosis. Although fibrosis is a hallmark of obese AT, the role of fibroblasts, cells known to regulate fibrosis in other fibrosis-prone tissues, is not well studied. Here we have developed an in vitro model of AT to study adipocyte-fibroblast crosstalk in a hypoxic environment. Further, this in vitro model was used to investigate the effect of hypoxia on adipocyte mechanical properties via ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil kinases (ROCK) signaling pathways. We confirmed that hypoxia creates a diseased phenotype by inhibiting adipocyte maturation and inducing actin stress fiber formation facilitated by myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A/MKL1) nuclear translocation. This work presents new potential therapeutic targets for obesity by improving adipocyte maturation and limiting mechanical stress in obese AT.
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11
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Chavkin NW, Sano S, Wang Y, Oshima K, Ogawa H, Horitani K, Sano M, MacLauchlan S, Nelson A, Setia K, Vippa T, Watanabe Y, Saucerman JJ, Hirschi KK, Gokce N, Walsh K. The Cell Surface Receptors Ror1/2 Control Cardiac Myofibroblast Differentiation. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019904. [PMID: 34155901 PMCID: PMC8403294 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background A hallmark of heart failure is cardiac fibrosis, which results from the injury-induced differentiation response of resident fibroblasts to myofibroblasts that deposit extracellular matrix. During myofibroblast differentiation, fibroblasts progress through polarization stages of early proinflammation, intermediate proliferation, and late maturation, but the regulators of this progression are poorly understood. Planar cell polarity receptors, receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 and 2 (Ror1/2), can function to promote cell differentiation and transformation. In this study, we investigated the role of the Ror1/2 in a model of heart failure with emphasis on myofibroblast differentiation. Methods and Results The role of Ror1/2 during cardiac myofibroblast differentiation was studied in cell culture models of primary murine cardiac fibroblast activation and in knockout mouse models that underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to induce cardiac injury by pressure overload. Expression of Ror1 and Ror2 were robustly and exclusively induced in fibroblasts in hearts after transverse aortic constriction surgery, and both were rapidly upregulated after early activation of primary murine cardiac fibroblasts in culture. Cultured fibroblasts isolated from Ror1/2 knockout mice displayed a proinflammatory phenotype indicative of impaired myofibroblast differentiation. Although the combined ablation of Ror1/2 in mice did not result in a detectable baseline phenotype, transverse aortic constriction surgery led to the death of all mice by day 6 that was associated with myocardial hyperinflammation and vascular leakage. Conclusions Together, these results show that Ror1/2 are essential for the progression of myofibroblast differentiation and for the adaptive remodeling of the heart in response to pressure overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W. Chavkin
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
| | - Soichi Sano
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Hematovascular Biology CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Molecular Cardiology/Whitaker Cardiovascular InstituteBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
- Department of CardiologyGraduate School of MedicineOsaka City UniversityOsakaJapan
- Department of CardiologySchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
| | - Ying Wang
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Hematovascular Biology CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Molecular Cardiology/Whitaker Cardiovascular InstituteBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
- Department of CardiologyXinqiao HospitalArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Kosei Oshima
- Molecular Cardiology/Whitaker Cardiovascular InstituteBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
| | - Hayato Ogawa
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Department of CardiologyGraduate School of MedicineOsaka City UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Keita Horitani
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Department of CardiologyGraduate School of MedicineOsaka City UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Miho Sano
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Molecular Cardiology/Whitaker Cardiovascular InstituteBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
- Department of CardiologyGraduate School of MedicineOsaka City UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Susan MacLauchlan
- Molecular Cardiology/Whitaker Cardiovascular InstituteBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
| | - Anders Nelson
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
| | - Karishma Setia
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
| | - Tanvi Vippa
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
| | - Yosuke Watanabe
- Vascular Biology/Whitaker Cardiovascular InstituteBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
| | - Jeffrey J. Saucerman
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
| | - Karen K. Hirschi
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Hematovascular Biology CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineYale UniversityNew HavenCT
| | - Noyan Gokce
- Boston University School of MedicineBostonMA
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- Cardiovascular Research CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Hematovascular Biology CenterSchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
- Molecular Cardiology/Whitaker Cardiovascular InstituteBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA
- Department of CardiologySchool of MedicineUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
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Queckbörner S, von Grothusen C, Boggavarapu NR, Francis RM, Davies LC, Gemzell-Danielsson K. Stromal Heterogeneity in the Human Proliferative Endometrium-A Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Study. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11060448. [PMID: 34067358 PMCID: PMC8224746 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes regular regeneration and stromal proliferation as part of the normal menstrual cycle. To better understand cellular interactions driving the mechanisms in endometrial regeneration we employed single-cell RNA sequencing. Endometrial biopsies were obtained during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle from healthy fertile women and processed to single-cell suspensions which were submitted for sequencing. In addition to known endometrial cell types, bioinformatic analysis revealed multiple stromal populations suggestive of specific stromal niches with the ability to control inflammation and extracellular matrix composition. Ten different stromal cells and two pericyte subsets were identified. Applying different R packages (Seurat, SingleR, Velocyto) we established cell cluster diversity and cell lineage/trajectory, while using external data to validate our findings. By understanding healthy regeneration in the described stromal compartments, we aim to identify points of further investigation and possible targets for novel therapy development for benign gynecological disorders affecting endometrial regeneration and proliferation such as endometriosis and Asherman’s syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Queckbörner
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 64 Solna, Sweden; (S.Q.); (N.R.B.); (K.G.-D.)
| | - Carolina von Grothusen
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 64 Solna, Sweden; (S.Q.); (N.R.B.); (K.G.-D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nageswara Rao Boggavarapu
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 64 Solna, Sweden; (S.Q.); (N.R.B.); (K.G.-D.)
| | - Roy Mathew Francis
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), Uppsala University, BMC, Husargatan 3, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden;
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (ICM), Uppsala University, SciLifeLab, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lindsay C. Davies
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 52 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 64 Solna, Sweden; (S.Q.); (N.R.B.); (K.G.-D.)
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Influence of ARHGAP29 on the Invasion of Mesenchymal-Transformed Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122616. [PMID: 33291460 PMCID: PMC7762093 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive and mesenchymal-transformed breast cancer cells show high expression levels of Rho GTPase activating protein 29 (ARHGAP29), a negative regulator of RhoA. ARHGAP29 was the only one of 32 GTPase-activating enzymes whose expression significantly increased after the induction of mesenchymal transformation in breast cancer cells. Therefore, we investigated the influence of ARHGAP29 on the invasiveness of aggressive and mesenchymal-transformed breast cancer cells. After knock-down of ARHGAP29 using siRNA, invasion of HCC1806, MCF-7-EMT, and T-47D-EMT breast cancer cells was significantly reduced. This could be explained by reduced inhibition of RhoA and a consequent increase in stress fiber formation. Proliferation of the breast cancer cell line T-47D-EMT was slightly increased by reduced expression of ARHGAP29, whereas that of HCC1806 and MCF-7-EMT significantly increased. Using interaction analyses we found that AKT1 is a possible interaction partner of ARHGAP29. Therefore, the expression of AKT1 after siRNA knock-down of ARHGAP29 was tested. Reduced ARHGAP29 expression was accompanied by significantly reduced AKT1 expression. However, the ratio of active pAKT1 to total AKT1 remained unchanged or was significantly increased after ARHGAP29 knock-down. Our results show that ARHGAP29 could be an important factor in the invasion of aggressive and mesenchymal-transformed breast cancer cells. Further research is required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.
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Distinct differences in hypoxic responses between human oral mucosa and skin fibroblasts in a 3D collagen matrix. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2020; 56:452-479. [PMID: 32588253 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00458-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The differences between oral mucosa and skin wound healing involving hypoxic responses of fibroblasts are poorly elucidated. In this study, we aimed to study the different hypoxic responses between oral and skin fibroblasts embedded in a three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix to address the early stage of wound healing. Primary oral mucosa fibroblasts (OMFs) obtained from the retromolar area and skin fibroblasts (SFs) obtained from the abdomen were cultured in the 3D 'floating model' under either 21%, 5% or 1% O2 for 2 days. Cell viability under hypoxia was higher in the OMFs than in the SFs. Collagen gel contraction was suppressed under hypoxic conditions in both fibroblasts, consistent with the reduction of alpha smooth muscle actin expression, except for SFs under 1% O2. Subsequently, their gene expression profiles between 21 and 1% O2 concentrations were compared via microarray technology, and the expression profiles of the extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated proteins, including matrix metalloproteinases and collagens, were evaluated. The OMFs were more susceptible to 1% O2, and more of their genes were downregulated than the SFs'. Although the production and expression levels of ECM-associated proteins in both fibroblasts diminished under hypoxia, those levels in OMFs were significantly higher than those in SFs. In the case of single origin OMFs and SFs, our findings suggest that OMFs possess a higher baseline production capacity of several ECM-associated proteins than SFs, except type III collagen. The intrinsic hypoxic responses of OMFs may be attributed to a more favourable wound healing in oral mucosa.
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The influence of hypoxia and energy depletion on the response of endothelial cells to the vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A-4-phosphate. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9926. [PMID: 32555222 PMCID: PMC7303175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66568-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Combretastatin A-4 phosphate (CA4P) is a microtubule-disrupting tumour-selective vascular disrupting agent (VDA). CA4P activates the actin-regulating RhoA-GTPase/ ROCK pathway, which is required for full vascular disruption. While hypoxia renders tumours resistant to many conventional therapies, little is known about its influence on VDA activity. Here, we found that active RhoA and ROCK effector phospho-myosin light chain (pMLC) were downregulated in endothelial cells by severe hypoxia. CA4P failed to activate RhoA/ROCK/pMLC but its activity was restored upon reoxygenation. Hypoxia also inhibited CA4P-mediated actinomyosin contractility, VE-cadherin junction disruption and permeability rise. Glucose withdrawal downregulated pMLC, and coupled with hypoxia, reduced pMLC faster and more profoundly than hypoxia alone. Concurrent inhibition of glycolysis (2-deoxy-D-glucose, 2DG) and mitochondrial respiration (rotenone) caused profound actin filament loss, blocked RhoA/ROCK signalling and rendered microtubules CA4P-resistant. Withdrawal of the metabolism inhibitors restored the cytoskeleton and CA4P activity. The AMP-activated kinase AMPK was investigated as a potential mediator of pMLC downregulation. Pharmacological AMPK activators that generate AMP, unlike allosteric activators, downregulated pMLC but only when combined with 2DG and/or rotenone. Altogether, our results suggest that Rho/ROCK and actinomyosin contractility are regulated by AMP/ATP levels independently of AMPK, and point to hypoxia/energy depletion as potential modifiers of CA4P response.
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Wakashima T, Tanaka T, Fukui K, Komoda Y, Shinozaki Y, Kobayashi H, Matsuo A, Nangaku M. JTZ-951, an HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, suppresses renal interstitial fibroblast transformation and expression of fibrosis-related factors. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 318:F14-F24. [PMID: 31630548 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00323.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Some preceding studies have provided evidence that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-prolyl hydroxylase (PH) inhibitors have therapeutic potential against tubular interstitial fibrosis (TIF). Recently, transformation of renal interstitial fibroblasts (RIFs) into α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts with loss of their hypoxia-inducible erythropoietin (EPO) expression has been hypothesized as the central mechanism responsible for TIF with renal anemia (the RIF hypothesis). These reports have suggested that HIF-PH inhibitors may suppress TIF via suppressing transformation of RIFs. However, the direct effect of HIF-PH inhibitors on transformation of RIFs has not been demonstrated because there has been no appropriate assay system. Here, we established a novel in vitro model of the transformation of RIFs. This model expresses key phenotypic changes such as transformation of RIFs accompanied by loss of their hypoxia-inducible EPO expression, as proposed by the RIF hypothesis. Using this model, we demonstrated that JTZ-951, a newly developed HIF-PH inhibitor, stabilized HIF protein in RIFs, suppressed transformation of RIFs, and maintained their hypoxia-inducible EPO expression. JTZ-951 also suppressed the expression of FGF2, FGF7, and FGF18, which are upregulated during transformation of RIFs. Furthermore, expression of Fgf2, Fgf7, and Fgf18 was correlated with TIF in an animal model of TIF. We also demonstrated that not only FGF2, which is a well-known growth-promoting factor, but also FGF18 promoted proliferation of RIFs. These data suggest that JTZ-951 has therapeutic potential against TIF with renal anemia. Furthermore, FGF2, FGF7, and FGF18, which faithfully reflect the anti-TIF effects of JTZ-951, have potential as TIF biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Wakashima
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Biological and Pharmacological Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco, Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Tanaka
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Fukui
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Biological and Pharmacological Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco, Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Komoda
- Biological and Pharmacological Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco, Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shinozaki
- Biological and Pharmacological Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco, Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Hatsue Kobayashi
- Biological and Pharmacological Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco, Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Akira Matsuo
- Biological and Pharmacological Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco, Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaomi Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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First person – Lisa Leinhos. J Cell Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.230458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Lisa Leinhos is first author on ‘Hypoxia suppresses myofibroblast differentiation by changing RhoA activity’, published in JCS. Lisa is a PhD student in the lab of Prof. Dörthe Katschinski at the Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany, investigating oxygen sensing and cellular differentiation.
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